When reporter Abbie Marshall needs to escape Honduras, a private jet carrying a Hollywood A-lister is her only way out. She has a ride home with Irish actor Jack Winter - notorious womanizer and all round bad boy. Abbie is shaken to the core by Winter's blazing beauty and provocative mind.

After the plane's nose-dive into the remote rainforest forces them to fight for survival, Abbie catches tantalizing glimpses of the complicated man behind the image. And the more she sees of him, the more he touches some primal part of her that she is determined to suppress. But after a devastating encounter with Winter's shadow side, Abbie's detachment is shattered.

On returning to normal life, Abbie cannot forget what happened, nor ignore the shocking rumours about the star's private life. Her struggle to make sense of her torment leads straight back to Winter, who is just as obsessed by her. But if they are to have a relationship, Abbie knows she must embrace his hidden desires ... and accept her own.

No longer caring about anything but their intoxicating love affair, Abbie is drawn deeper into the dark heart of Winter - and the secret that threatens to destroy everything ...

I always enjoy a book that draws you into the action straightaway and that’s what The Pleasures of Winter did. Abbie, the main character, is running for her life and just when you think she’s safe, she ends up in a plane crash in the jungle. It’s during the scenes there that Ms. Winters did a great job of setting the stage for the rest of the story. There’s a pull-push quality to the relationship between Jack and Abbie and just when you think you know how the story will play out, they’re whisked back to civilization.

Sometimes I liked the character of Abbie because she came across as the strong journalist she was initially portrayed as, but then at other times she seemed to be at the mercy of everyone else in the story. I liked Jack, even though it was obvious he had a dark side to him. The dialogue was wonderful and very natural sounding and the pace kept me reading. All the secondary characters were interesting too. Although this book was publicized as similar to Fifty Shades of Grey (which I must admit I’ve never read), there wasn’t a lot of sex in it but instead lots of tension that led up to those scenes. If you like Chick Lit with kink, this is probably the book for you.

While I don’t think this will be a romance novel to everyone’s liking, if you want to check out a BDSM story with a happy ending than The Pleasures of Winter would probably be a good starting point for you.

During the holiday season everyone's thoughys turn to amour. Everyone has an idea of what kind of romantic or sexual encounter they want as a present. No wonder it is the sexiest time of the year. Have a happy, merry, and - best of all - kinky holiday season with this anthology of yule erotica! Wishes are fulfilled from true love to forbidden sexual longings in these stories by Clarice Clique, JP Archer And Lani Rhea, Elizabeth J. Kolodziej, and edited by our own master of erotic romance, Sascha Illyvich!

Cold winter nights are perfect for snuggling up to someone to keep warm, and if you don't have someone you better find them quick. That is what these stories are all about; they may not love each other just yet, but they sure do enjoy sharing some body heat.

Winter by Clarice Clique

Winter has always been viewed as a time of death before spring, which brings a new beginning. In this historical fiction story the death is not only of the planets, but of the sacrifice that must be made to the gods so they will show favor and make the season less harsh and help in a fruitful bounty of spring. Yet, Therion made a grave mistake this season and instead of choosing a virgin he decides to sacrifice the witch who taunts him with her body and sexual independence. The storyline was entertaining. I especially loved the main heroine. That is because at moments you can see the woman she was forced to be, and other the woman she wants to be. It is clear that what some many consider has proven to be a curse as well. She has seen too much in her life, which has jaded her and it seems that only her prince can offer the light she needs after a cold winter night.

The Ark Hotel: Before the Dawn by JP Archer and Lani Rhea

Angie and Noah's story really touched a part of me that a story hasn't in a while. While the previous story in the anthology was hot and spicy, The Ark Hotel created that slow burn that I knew would warm the characters during the winter months. Angie's previous abuse relationship played a large role in this story. I liked that the author started, not during the abuse, but right after Angie decided to stand up for herself and take a chance on her. While Noah did not have a abusive ex-lover, he had his own hardships. Another character I was impressed with was Lizzie. I found myself wondering if she to had her own story to tell, because I would have loved to heard it. This was truly one of those stories I wanted to re-read as soon as I was done.

Demon Protection Plan by Elizabeth J. Kolodziej

When ordered to protect the eccentric Kasidy to ensure she stayed alive long enough to testify against a criminal they have been trying to get for a while, Decland hadn't realized he would be the one needing the protection. Kasidy's character has a way of looking at the world that is refreshing yet scary. She lives for the moment which I can honestly say I envy, yet because of who she is she cannot let anyone close to her. That is until she is trapped in a cabin with the delectable Decland. He makes her question not only her ability to keep her panties on, but also her ability to maintain the walls she had erected around her heart to protect herself and anyone who dares to care about her.

While I expected the holidays to play a larger role in this anthology, I enjoyed the cold winter months none the same. All three stories were truly unique to one another each could really stand on their own. This anthology helped to introduce me to some excellent authors that sure do know how to heat a girl's blood and keep the pages turning.

The good dragons have come up with a plan. Undercover dragon warrior Velka Krytt's mission is to bring the Rogues to justice. Law enforcement has a different plan. Undercover human cop Aric Exeter's mission is to bust the Vigilante organization.

When their missions collide, they are forced to go on the run. Hunted by the Rogues and Vigilantes, Velka and Aric must join forces to survive the danger coming at them and fire flaming between them. Things are getting dragonfire hot!

Sometimes what seems so obvious is anything but. Velka is clearly working with the Rogue dragons to try and steal from the rich. Eagle (Aric) had been working with the vigilantes for weeks to try and take down the dragons whether they are Rogues or other. Yet, they find themselves together fighting for their lives and discovering each other's secret.

The beginning of the story is a bit confusing at first when trying to decipher who and what the vigilantes and rogues are, their purpose and how they play a role in the story. Once I was able to put everything together I understood what an influential role they played in the story and how much the additional conflicts really added to the story.

The love story between Velka and Eagle was exciting. The action in the story really helped to bring them together in a magical way. Even when they do not trust one another they have to depend on each other for survival. This really helps to keep the relationship moving forward as well as create more excitement in the story.

The various twist and turns that the author introduced into this story as well as the characters really created a dynamic story that was truly entertaining.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

The best day of Dobbs' life was when he was rescued from his kidnappers by an elite team of soldiers. A year later, Dobbs' life should be getting back to normal, shouldn't it? Despite his best efforts, Dobbs is discovering that back to normal is a relative thing. Then he runs into a man at a party who seems to be eager to help him define his new normal. Can something good come out of his harrowing experience?

It’s been over a year since Dobbs was rescued from a living nightmare, and still he can’t quite let go of the past. Despite the fact his friends don’t seem to understand why he isn’t “better” or “normal”, Dobbs has decided to accept the fact this might be as good as he gets, he might never feel safe again. Then at a friend’s party he meets Bruce McCarn – the soldier responsible for his rescue. The passion they’d both kept under wraps explodes and finally Dobbs realizes that in his lover’s hands he can feel safe.

I really enjoyed this short story. Dobbs is a slightly broken but still incredibly masculine character, and I really enjoyed how even Bruce could be both strongly male but still have a small amount of vulnerability hiding beneath his soldier’s persona. The chemistry and passion is believable, and even though the sex was brief the build up was fantastic. This is a very short story – only the one main scene really, but it’s a delicious taste of the author’s writing style and I’d definitely read other stories. Highly Recommended.

When the blood moon coincides with Halloween, the forces of darkness unite to wreak their evil spells. Will this All Hallows Eve bring joy or sorrow? Curses abound and destiny calls, as a vampire watches over his human. Devils atone to the moon, and shifters hunt their mate on land protected by a powerful white witch. An angel takes human shape to protect the gypsy girl he loves, and a black widow hunts her prey in human form.

In these five chilling and sexy tales, is love enough to break the cycle? Or is all lost under the orange glow of the menacing sphere in the sky?

The Eclipse of the Blood Moon is an anthology with five different paranormal stories.

Destined Lovers by Doris O’Connor was a nice story with characters that I quickly came to like, for as just as Suzzanna felt entirely human, Drake had that otherworldly characteristic that made him exquisite. However, I found the ending of this short to be a bit confusing.

Atone for the Moon by Raven McAllan had some spanking but it was not sizzling hot in the sex department. It was definitely a fun story that had me laughing at some points but I believe it could have been much more enjoyable had it been longer.

Property Lines by Cherie Nicholls was my favorite of the five stories in The Eclipse of the Blood Moon anthology. The chemistry between Adam and Celeste is present from beginning to end making it impossible to drop the story. Ms. Nicholls write a short, very hot story that feels complete (even if I would have loved to learn more about the characters).

Gypsy Butterfly by Michaela Rhua was different. Though the interaction between the characters felt a bit forced, the plot idea was interesting and different.

The Black Widow by Arya Grey was not your usual vamp story. With a very original idea and very vivid descriptions, I really would have liked to read more on this one, especially since the ending felt a bit rushed to my taste.

The Eclipse of the Blood Moon was, in conclusion, a good and entertaining read with stories suited for all those that like things that go bump in the night.

" RBN

~ Stockholm Surrender

~ Trouble In Thigh High Boots

# Blood of Luna

~ Skye High

~ Climbing Her Tower

# Ava's Pleasure

* Shadow of the Wolf

^ Seduction of My Proper Wife

My Immortal

Believe

Blue Light Special

Shut Up and Kiss Me

~ Teacher Her Manners (Sizzler)

^ Blood of Luna

Love Beyond Sight

The Crawford Boys Series

Turkish Delights

Shut Up & Kiss Me

Fire Woman

RATING EXPLANATION:

1 Star -- At this time, we at Whipped Cream do not post these reviews. If the book was boring, badly edited, poorly written, had little or no plot, stilted dialogue, and/or unsympathetic characters, we will decline the review.

2 Stars -- Not wonderful, but tolerable. There may be some minor editing glitches but not enough to stop you reading. Not a wall-banger, but nothing you'd re-read. This is a book you would borrow from the library - not buy- and never check out again.

3 Stars -- Good. Mostly enjoyable. You made it through and didn't consider it a waste of time or money. The story was strong enough or the conflict tight enough, so even when the book faltered, it was able to draw you back in and keep you. There's a chance you'll recommend it to a friend, but it wouldn't go on your keeper shelf.

4 Stars-- Very Good. You're glad you were the one who got to review this book. You would probably buy it and would definitely recommend it to your friends. You liked the characters and the plot. The writing style was good and the editing clean.

5 Stars -- Great! You would definitely buy this book. You would definitely recommend it to your friends. You really loved the characters and the plot and would consider looking for this authors back list or making her an autobuy. The writing and editing were superb.

WC Best Book - For a book or story that is truly exceptional. You think about it when you're not reading it. You wonder what happens to the characters when you finish. You would absolutely buy everything else this author had to offer. The highest praise - and reserved for only a few.

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